Hik-connect Setup Guide

Hik-Connect is a new service introduced by Hikvision that integrates  dynamic domain name service (HiDDNS) along with alarm push notifications. It’s an easier, somewhat more secure way for devices to connect to each other via the internet if you trust the service provider.

Hik-Connect’s P2P functionality allows connections outbound from your device (NVR/Camera) to the Hik-Connect service for alarm push notifications, Live View, play back and much more. The new Hik-connect apps available on both the Apple Appstore and Google Play are designed to work with newer Hikvision NVRs and IP cameras. It allows you to Live View your cameras remotely without the need to open and forward ports on modem or router. It can also save the further hassle of setting up and using the Hikvision’s integrated DDNS or other service providers.

All you need to do is create an account and add your devices into it. It also allows you to playback recorded video to search alarm triggers. When motion detection alarm of your device triggered, you can get an instant message notifications (or emails if you prefer) from the Hik-connect app.

Key Features

1. Instant, easy setup
2. Real-time monitoring
3. Remote Video/Audio playback
4. Instant native iOS & Android Push notification
5. No port forwarding, UPNP and/or DDNS setup

Not so good

1. Server geographic locations
2. Can be slow to initially connect

Hik-Connect Setup Guide

Our always updated guide is for newer users to show them how to setup a new Hik-Connect service quickly and easily. If you get stuck or need further support, simply contact us or leave a message in the comments below. In addition to our resource, there’s a heap of great user content in the comments to get nearly everyone through.

Hikvision mentions that you should enable the UPnP function on both your router and device, or configure Port Forwarding manually in your router. Whilst mostly unnecessary it may still be required should you have other software or applications that require these services or for general troubleshooting steps later.

You still can use the Hik-Connect service even if you don’t enable UPnP or configure ports forwarding manually; however, you cannot use Hik-Connect domain name service- which should not be an issue for 99% of use-cases.

Please be aware that the images used in our setup guide may not be the same as yours as camera and NVR software or firmware are updated over time. However, the information and settings required to set up Hik-Connect services are very similar across all supported products.

Preparation

Users need to upgrade your device(s) to the latest firmware that supports Hik-Connect Service. Hikvision NVR’s with version 3.5 or higher are all supported. Contact us or visit Hikvision directly to obtain the latest for your devices.

Please also ensure WiFi is turned off and mobile data is enabled as this will make sure your device can be found outside your home network.

Register for your FREE Hik-Connect account

Very straight forward- just visit the Hik-Connect web portal and register. Here’s a short video if you get stuck.

Adding devices into Hik-Connect account

Users can enable Hik-Connect function via Hik-Connect APP; www.hik-connect.com web portal; iVMS-4500 app or iVMS-4200 client.

Method 1: Add devices via Hik-Connect APP

A great feature of Hik-Connect is the ability to setup using just your mobile phone. Its easy, quick and works in nearly every senario we have encountered. Here’s how:

1. Open Hik-Connect app at your mobile
2. Add the device by scanning device QR code or inputting device serial number
3. Once device is found, select or click ‘Add’ to continue
4. Input device verification code to finish
5. Go back to Hik-Connect and add all remaining devices

How to find the device verification code?

If you cannot find your verification code check the code on the label printed on the Network Video Recorder or IP Camera.

The verification code can also be found by logging into your devices GUI or directly from the NVR. This is handy if you have already installed your system.

Method 2: Add devices via Hik-Connect web portal

I personally use this method when adding lots of camera’s- remember, both methods do the same thing.

1. Type www.hik-connect.com into browser location bar
2. Register and account and setup your password
3. Login with your account user name and password
4. Go to Device Management and click Add to add a device
5. Input your device Serial number when prompted then click Search
6. When a connection is made to the device a popup will show the model and confirm the S/N. If this is the desired device, Click ‘+’ to continue
7. Confirm you get ‘Device configured correctly’ pop-up
8. Double click on the IP address and Port No. of a connected device, a new window opens showing the login screen for the device. Enter the user name and password to login into the device

Simply open up or log back into to your mobile Hik-Connect application and ensure your devices are listed and synced up. Here’s another video of the whole process that may be easier for some:

Important Notes

We seem to be getting a few messages from users regarding not being able to connect their cameras to Hik-Connect. In nearly all instances, these users have acquired Grey Market camera’s running older firmware revisions. Updating these Grey Market sourced equipment can be problematic as they will to revert to their original Chinese language settings or even not work at all. We recommend users buy local domestic cameras and equipment from authorised sellers local sellers to minimise this risk.

If have also seen some issues where the verification code needed to complete adding cameras is not correct or not received at all. If the verification method was via internet activation and does not work after a few codes you can either find the verification code on the camera itself (just above the serial number), via the SADP tool or by logging into the camera directly via its direct IP.